Shafali leads India to Asia Cup final in Dubai

Shafali Verma’s bold 64 off 40 propels India into the Asia Cup final after a 40-run win over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. India put 149 for 6 on the board as Shafali rode luck, being dropped three times, to fuel a brisk start and set up a chase that Bangladesh never could build, finishing 109 for 7 in 20 overs^13,12.

Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma also supplied late support as India’s spinners locked down the chase, with Deepti grabbing three key wickets to tilt momentum late^3,6. Bangladesh’s bowlers fought on a slow pitch, but drops and dots haunted their chances while Shafali’s boundary hits kept India ahead, earning them a place in Sunday’s final against either Sri Lanka or Pakistan^1,7,9.

The win reinforces India’s status as seven-time champions and showcases a blend of patient middle overs play and sharp bowling on a surface that offered turn and grip, especially for the spinners^3,6.

Next up, India will face the winner of the second semi final in Dubai for the title on Sunday, a match that will crown the continent’s best women’s team^7,9.